as that great discovery sheweth the increase of their spiritual knowledge, and an increase in this is an increase in grace; so they may question and doubt of their growth, upon mistakes, as thinking corruption always strongest when it makes the greatest stir and noise; or their complaints may flow from a vehement desire they have to have much more sanctification, which may cause them overlook many degrees they have advanced.  Or some such thing may occasion their darkness and complaints; yea, God may think it fittest for them, to the end they may be kept humble and diligent, to be in the dark as to their progress; whereas if they saw what advancement and progress they had made in Christianity, they might grow wanton, secure, and careless, and so occasion some sad dispensation to humble them again.

7.  It should be remembered, that perfect victory is not to be had here.  It is true, in respect of justification through the imputation of the perfect righteousness of Christ, and in respect of their sincerity and gospel simplicity, and in respect also of the parts of the new man, believers are said to be perfect; such an one was Noah, Gen. vi. 9, and Job, chap. i. 1, 8.  See also Psalm xxxvii. 37, and lxiv. 4. 1 Cor. ii. 6.  Heb. v. 14.  James iii. 2.  And it is true, we are to aim at perfection, and to pray for it, as Matt. v. 48. 2 Cor. xiii. 11.  Col. iv. 12.  Heb. xiii. 21.  James i. 4. 1 Pet. v. 10.  Heb. vi. 1.  Yet as to the degrees of holiness and sanctification, and in respect of the remnant of corruption within, there is no full perfection here, Jer. ix. 20, 21.  Phil. iii. 12.  For even he who is washed, and, as to justification, is clean every whit, yet needeth to wash his feet, because contracting filth in his conversation, Job xiii. 10.  So that if the Lord should mark iniquity, no man should stand, Psalm cxxx. 3, and cxliii. 2.  There will still be in the best something, more or less, of that battle, that Paul speaketh of, Rom. vii. 15-23.  So that they will still have occasion to cry out with him, verse 24, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!” And the flesh will still lust against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, so that they shall not be able to do what they would, Gal. v. 17.  The place of perfection is above, where all tears are wiped away, and the weary wrestler is at rest.

8.  Let them not mistake and think, that every stirring of corruption in the soul, argueth its dominion and prevailing power.  Corruption may stir and make a great deal ado, where it cannot get leave to reign; and be as a violent and cruel invader, seeking the throne, putting the whole kingdom in a combustion, who is resisted with force of arms.

Corruption may be more quiet and still, when indeed it hath the throne of the soul; as a conqueror may be more quiet and still, when he hath overcome and is in peaceable possession of the kingdom, than when he was but fighting for it.  When the strong man keeps the house, and is master, then all is quiet and at rest, till a stronger come and thrust him out, and dispossess him.